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John Rahaim

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Contact the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

Privacy & Great Memories at Classic 1830 New England Country Home in Central MA

Overview

Ashburnham Farmhouse Rental Photos and Description

Private, charming. peaceful and close to everything in The Heart of New England.

Enjoy a special quality-of-life break at 1830 Elijah Haven Homeplace between Boston and the Berkshires (but closer to Boston). Haven offers you the opportunity to unplug if you desire...and feel completely at home in a beautiful, clean, fully-updated, totally-turnkey and very sweet Gentleman's Farm on 78 private, peaceful acres near Wachusett Mountain and many other attractions.

Immerse yourself in the nature and spirit of rolling lawns, gardens, fields, ancient stone walls, forests, walking trails, hills and many lakes. In-season, numerous Adirondack Chairs (10 at last count!) on the lawns and in the fields help you breathe it all in — retreat, relax and decompress.

Very private yet convenient, completely-furnished and fully-appointed country home, Haven is situated on a secluded hillock surrounded by many acres of nature – perfect for people who value privacy, scenic surroundings and making wonderful memories. (Haven Homeplace is our home – which we vacate whenever guests are in residence. When you're a Guest at Haven, it is yours alone.)

Elijah Haven Homeplace is located minutes from prestigious Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA with easy highway access from metro areas.

Inquiries for guest stays from a night, weekend, a week or longer are welcome.

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About John Rahaim

We acquired Elijah Haven Homeplace in December of 1990 from the descendants of the Haven family. Scott was a successful model, commercial actor and 66 WNNNBC radio personality in New York City, and discovered this special place on a visit to the area. He jumped at the chance to own this little slice of heaven, left the Manhattan life — and the rest is history.

Initially, there was not much here except potential. But slowly, together with Irma Hayward, the spunky lady who sold us the farm (it had been in her family since 1830), we pushed back the forests to reveal the old fields and the requisite New England stone walls.

In those early years here, the Haven family provided us with early 1900s photos of the farm – and we set out restoring the place to its original look (with modern updates like central air conditioning and underground utilities).

5 years ago, we began to travel...and while we were away, we hosted a family from Cushing Academy as guests for hockey tournament week. They were wonderful and Haven made them so happy. It's then that we got 'the bug' to host travelers from around the world whenever we weren't in town.

Today, when guests are in residence at the farm, we live at an adjacent property. Either we or our caretaker are always available to meet, orient, answer questions and assist in making your stay a memorable and comfortable one.

Guests say that we are very detail-oriented, clean...and have terrific taste! And we do enjoy meeting people who come our way. View the unanimous 5-star guest comments on every page of our website at www.HavenHomeplace.com.

John Rahaim purchased this farmhouse in 1990

Why John Rahaim chose Ashburnham

Ashburnham is our hometown. Haven Homeplace didn't start out as a Guest Rental. We made a dream come true for ourselves by renovating and 'TLC-ing' the farm and living there. The Haven family member that sold the farm to us actually participated in and applauded the restoration.

Although we have traveled the world from Boca to Bali, there is something special here that we now enjoy sharing with others.

It is just down the road from the world-famous college prep school, Cushing Academy. Luminaries such as the King of Bhutan, Nate Berkus, Bette Davis and others have graduated from its ivy clad tower.

We did not choose Haven Homeplace. It chose us.

Where else could you see turkey and deer grazing on a verdant green lawn close by in the morning...and be shopping on glamorous Newbury Street in Boston that same afternoon?!

We're located in what we call 'The Heart of New England' in North Central MA near the cities of Gardner, Fitchburg & Leominster. Our area is just WNW of Greater Boston in the beautiful rolling hills beyond the coastal plain. Hike to the local hilltops and see the Boston skyline!

What makes this farmhouse unique

Peace. Charm. Nature. Renewal. Comfort. Quiet. The Vibe.

Homeplace History & Guests: Elijah Haven Homeplace was built in 1830 – a gift from Elijah's parents, Jonas and Nancy Haven, who settled the 300 acres next door just after the Revolutionary War. One of their adopted daughters, Anna Dawn, was discovered on the doorstep early one morning in the late 1800s. They raised her as their own. In 1990, we purchased the farm from the descendants of the Havens (the first time it had been out of the their family in over 160 years). We completely and lovingly renovated and updated it. Some of our guests who find Haven Homeplace ideal are: – Cushing Academy Parents, Alumni and Prospective Students' Families – Relocating Doctors, Executives and other professionals – People with family in our area – Getaway Vacationers and Sightseers from around the world – Romantic Honeymoon/Engagement Cottage and Grounds We have hosted authors, actors, honeymoon couples, money fund managers, educators and many others – and we welcome you. Security, Phone, TV and Wi-Fi: The home is secured with ADT intrusion, smoke and fire protection. Comcast High Speed Wi-Fi is provided. Strong wireless phone signals for both Verizon and AT&T. Dish Network TV with local channels & DVR/Wi-Fi. Secluded Nature, Privacy and Comfort: Enjoy Mother Nature and the great outdoors. Play badminton or croquet on one of our lawns. Throw frisbees or scrimmage in the fields. Cross Country Skiing and Hiking through our fields, woods and miles of back roads is awesome for communing with nature, fresh air and exercise. Wachusett Mt. is just another few minutes away if Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding gives you a thrill. In Spring, Summer and Fall flocks of turkeys and their poults roam the grounds with the backdrop of a beautiful perennial wave garden, lilies and currants. Renew and recharge – or just retire after a hectic business day.

Guestbook comments from the owner

Hi John,

I love your place. Can't believe the fantastic attention to detail here and how terrifically organized everything is. Lobsters were delicious and the BBQ great too... It is so peaceful here and my son didn't want to leave. I hope we can come back again next year... I posted some of the photos I've taken of the farm to my Facebook wall and I'm hearing from people that I haven't heard from in years. They think I'm staying in a storybook. I guess in ways I am! Thank you so much! We'll be back.

Reviews

5

based on 29 traveler reviews

HEAVEN on EARTH

5
of 5

The ambiance was truly magical, the decor was a perfect blend of old world charm, comfort, cleanliness and the best of modern convenience. From the pristine emerald rolling hills, wild turkeys, deer and the flowers in bloom everywhere, we were continually in awe. Take your camera on your walks to capture precious moments that you will always treasure! The kitchen was well stocked and beautiful, and the cozy loft was also a perfect place to meditate, to write, read and relax! We definitely plan to return again.

Perfect!

5
of 5

Lovely appointments and great grounds. Had a family reunion and a fantastically comfortable week stay. Perfect setting for any time of year! We used to live locally to this location and it makes us feel like we are home. Thanks John!

Lovely spot for connection and contemplation

5
of 5

My three friends and I absolutely loved our stay at the Elijah Haven Homeplace. We all said that we would love to return to this property again. We were most impressed with the meticulous cleanliness of the property and the conscious effort put into making the space restful and comfortable. Whether looking within the cottage or out the windows, we saw only beauty. The property owners have thought of everything. Thank you again for sharing this special property.

A Hidden Gem!

5
of 5

The Elijah Haven Homeplace is truly a gem! My wife and I spent the week cycling through the surrounding area and visiting nearby towns and we could not have picked a better spot for an "unplugged" and relaxing environment. The property is exceptionally well cared for and offers extremely peaceful surroundings with access to miles of walking trails. We rent 3-4 different vacation properties per year for family vacations and this was the most well-kept and well-stocked property we have visited. We are looking forward to another visit in the future!

Exceptional

5
of 5

I had the pleasure of staying at this amazing property for a week in August 2014. Words cannot adequately describe the pleasure of staying in this home. I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful setting and the beautifully, well-appointed home. The hosts were the icing on the cake and were extremely accommodating. I find myself dreaming of returning to this peaceful setting and hope to make that a reality in the coming year.

So nice!

5
of 5

Everything is the way it's described and the place looks just like the photos. The host was attentive and detailed. The house and grounds were pristine. It was really nice to get away to the country for a while in the privacy and serenity of such a beautiful farm.

1830 Elijah Haven Homeplace is located in 'The Heart of New England' in North Central MA outside the cities of Gardner, Fitchburg & Leominster. We are just NW of Boston in the beautiful rolling hills beyond the coastal plain. (You can actually see the Boston skyline from some of Ashburnham's hilltops.)

Every Haven Guest receives door-to-door directions showing you the best possible routes to Haven Homeplace.

Other Activities: Walking/Hiking: Within minutes you’ll find lots of hiking trails. The Mid-State and Wapack Trails take you to 1882' Mt. Watatic, with views from Boston to the Berkshires to Mt. Monadnock and the White Mountains. We also have miles of abandoned, unpaved country roads/trails abutting the property.

Bike trails: ride the Gardner and Winchendon rail trails. Ashburnham and the surrounding area offer miles and miles of beautiful New England country roads.

Restaurants: In-town Peppermint Pig serves a pastries, coffees and lunch paninis. There are also 2 pizza shops and 2 delis.

The propane BBQ on the deck is always ready to be fired up from May thru October.

Golf: Golf: Local public courses include Gardner Municipal Golf Course, Woods of Westminster, Westminster Country Club, Winchendon School Golf Club, The Shattuck Golf Club and many more. All offer beautiful views of Mt. Monadnock, Wachusett Mt. and our wonderful Heart of New England countryside.

Skiing: 2006' Wachusett Mt is in the town to our south. It features a 1,000 vertical drop and all-trail snowmaking. Cross country skiing is also available at Wachusett – or on-property here at the farm in the fields on many miles of discontinued country roads, rail trails and logging paths.

We also suggest Windblown Cross Country Ski Center in Sharon, NH. Nearby, Ashburnham State Forest and other local hiking trails offer great snowshoeing and cross country skiing. And if conditions are right, ice skating on any of Ashburnham's lakes is very fun.

What's your activity? Ask us and we'll provide you with the information you need to fulfill your desires.

Notes: Rates are based on 4 guests; add $50 per night, per additional guest

Summer/Fall 2015

May 1 2015 -
Oct 31 2015

2 night minimum stay

$250

From

$350

Fri,Sat,Sun

$1,950

Notes: Rates are based on 4 guests; add $50 per night, per additional guest

Additional information about rental rates

Pet Fee

$100

Notes

One night stays are available at $395.00 for the night. All rates are based upon a maximum of 4 guests using 2 beds/bedrooms.
For Holiday Week and Cushing Academy Event Week/Weekend Rates, please refer to our website at http://www.havenhomeplace.com/rates-reservations.html or call us at 978-827-3141.
Monthly and Extended Stay Discounted Rates also available.
We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover and certain bank transactions. Please ask us.

50% of your total amount is due upon signing of Guest Agreement. Your balance is due 90 days prior to Arrival Date. These deposits and payments are non-cancelable and non-refundable unless we are able to rebook your time.

We invite you to call us at 978-827-3141 to discuss further details.

* Approximate monthly rate. Actual rate will depend on the days of the month you stay.

Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency (USD) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.